Russell Nelson Thompson, 30, passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2026. He was born on July 31, 1995 to Donald “PeeWee” and Cheryl (Cox) Thompson. Russell was preceded in death by his grandparents Jack and Dollie Thompson; Billie (Fred) Fee and Russell Cox; Aunts Jill Thompson, Janet Ross, Ella Thompson, Sue Congrove; Uncle Tommy Cox and special neighbors Sharon Fast and Bob Butts. Russell graduated in 2013 with Honors from Pickaway-Ross Vocational School where he attended for Diesel Mechanics. If you knew Russell, you knew his love for sports. He always said he was a “team Ohio” fan and rooted for them all but held a special love for his Buckeyes. He has always been a Nascar fan and his love for his Mopar, and fast cars had recently helped him find lots of joy in following Cleetus McFarland and the Freedom Factory. He found music to be very therapeutic and was a lover of all genres of music. He enjoyed hanging out with his Uncle Jer listening to music and drinking scotch whiskey. He always looked forward to nights he spent watching movies and binge-watching shows with his cousin Renee Hunter. Since his accident in 2014, Russell has touched a lot of people’s lives. His smile and positive outlook brought a lot of joy to everyone that knew him. He did not let his accident define him. One of his best days was being the best man in Seth and Baileys wedding. Russell is survived by his parents; sisters Brittney Thompson and Andrea (Curtis) Hayes; nephew and niece Bentley and Nova Hayes; Uncle Jerry Thompson (Sharon Myers); Aunts Bonny (Jerry) Williams and Sally (Dave) Smith; many cousins and special neighbors Louise Butts, Charlie Fast and the Stump and Mongomery families. A special thank you to the Laurelville Fire Department and Hocking County EMS for their quick response. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Wellman Funeral Home, Laurelville. Visitation will be on Saturday from 12-2. There will be a dinner following the services at Church of Christ in Christian Union, 19057 Thompson Ridge Road, Laurelville, Ohio 43135. The church will open at 11:30 a.m. for anyone who would like to drop off food donations. Online condolences can be made at www.wellmanfuneralhomes.com.